The Smart City Expo USA is a two-day conference and expo taking place in New York City on May 22nd and 23rd, 2024. This major event focuses on building smart, equitable, and sustainable cities for the 21st century. As the U.S. edition of the leading Smart City Expo World Congress, it brings together visionary leaders and cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of our urban environments.
This year’s agenda highlights the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and next-generation technologies on infrastructure, environment, and communities. With 16 North American cities preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the expo emphasizes the need for future-proofed urban planning.
Visionary Leaders Share Their Expertise
The expo boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including public officials, industry experts, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of smart cities. Some of the highlighted speakers include:
Public Officials: Mayors, Commissioners, and Directors from New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and other leading cities will share their experiences and insights.
Leading the charge is New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside other prominent mayors from across the country such as Frank Scott, Jr., mayor of the city of Little Rock and Steven Reed, mayor, City of Montgomery. Joining them are key figures like Abby Jo Sigal (executive director, Office of Talent and Workforce Development, City of New York), Akshay Malik (Smart Cities director, City of Philadelphia), Albert Pulido (deputy secretary for Finance and Technology, State of New York), and Alejandro Jimenez Jaramillo (director of Tech Governance & Policy, City of Boston).
Industry Leaders: CEOs, Presidents, and Directors from various organizations will discuss innovative solutions for sustainable development, emerging technologies, and economic growth.
Smart City Solutions Startup Competition
The Smart City Expo USA 2024 also offered a unique opportunity for startups and founders to showcase their city-focused solutions. The Smart City Solutions Startup Competition allows them to pitch their ideas directly to leading government officials, potentially gaining valuable partnerships and funding.
Join the Conversation
The Smart City Expo USA is a crucial platform for anyone interested in the future of our cities. Whether you’re a city official, urban planner, technology developer, or simply a concerned citizen, this event offers a chance to learn, network, and contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable urban future.
The Smart City Expo USA holds particular significance for Black communities as it tackles urban challenges that disproportionately impact them. By emphasizing equitable solutions, the expo ensures that technological advancements and urban planning innovations benefit all citizens, especially those from historically underserved communities.
Several influential Black leaders will share their insights, underscoring the importance of inclusion and representation in the smart city movement. Gary Brantley, senior vice president and chief information officer of the National Football League, will explore the integration of technology in urban planning and its effect on community engagement. Richard Buery, CEO of Robin Hood, will discuss how non-profits can foster equitable growth and reduce poverty through innovative urban solutions. Raymond J. McGuire, president of Lazard, will provide strategies for economic development that prioritize inclusion and sustainability. Lastly, Wole Coaxum, founder and CEO of Mobility Capital Finance, will highlight the importance of financial inclusion and the role of fintech in supporting underserved communities.